Question

In the experiment Nitration of Methyl Benzoate

why is it important to add the nitric acid-sulfuric acid mixture slowly over a 15 minute period?

Answer 1

Rapid addition of the nitric acid:sulfuric acid mixture increases the chance of side products forming.

Answer 2

The nitric acid/sulfuric acid mixture was added slowly over the 15 minute period to ensure only a mononitrated product would be formed. If the acid mixture were added too quickly, the reaction would have encouraged the formation of a dinitrated product.